‘Disingenuous’: Rishi Sunak’s call for LTN review condemned by Hackney transport chief

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Photograph: Parliament UK

The Prime Minister’s call for a review of controversial low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) has been slammed by Hackney’s transport boss.

Cllr Mete Coban said the government has no power over LTNs, which are put in by local councils and transport authorities.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told a Sunday newspaper he wanted the Department of Transport to look into LTNs because of concerns that they can lead to congestion in other areas.

He said: “I want to make sure that we do leave the environment and our climate in a better state than we found it. I feel that responsibility keenly.

“But I’m going to do that in a way that is pragmatic and proportionate, and not necessarily add cost or hassle to people’s lives.”

Hackney has introduced 19 LTNs since 2020, covering 50 per cent of its road network – more than any other London borough.

The council said most people getting fines for breaching LTNs do not live in Hackney, where there is low car ownership.

Labour’s Cllr Coban said: “You would think the Prime Minister has enough on his plate with the cost-of-living crisis, the NHS flat out on its face, and our planet burning.

“Instead, he is potentially fuelling culture wars and could be accused of being disingenuous with the public about powers he does not have.

“We have extensively consulted with over 20,000 people over our LTN schemes, including a local election in May 2022, where the public decisively backed LTN-supporting candidates.”

Independent candidates who have campaigned against LTNs stood in the local elections. Hackney Conservatives also oppose the policy, which they say is not working.

Cllr Coban added: “Our direction is clear, as set out in our low traffic plan earlier this year, and we intend to deliver cleaner air for the people of Hackney.”

Campaigners unsuccessfully challenged the council’s LTNs in court, after arguing they had “paralysed” roads in Hackney.

They said: “Quiet residential, and even school streets, have become gridlocked, sometimes for hours at a time. The hum of stationary engines, the smell of fumes and blaring car horns of frustrated drivers have become all too familiar in many neighbourhoods.”